Question

The nurse is aware that a client with broken ribs is likely to have difficulty with:

a) Digestive system
b) Respiratory system
c) Circulatory system
d) Urinary system

Answer 1

A client with broken ribs will likely experience problems with their respiratory system due to pain and the inability to breathe deeply, which is essential for gas exchange.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is aware that a client with broken ribs is likely to have difficulty with the respiratory system. Broken ribs can impair breathing by causing pain and limiting the ability to take deep breaths, thus affecting gas exchange which is the primary function of the respiratory system. Protecting the respiratory system is vital, as it is directly exposed to the external environment and responsible for delivering oxygen to the body, which is essential for survival.

The skeletal system, particularly the ribcage, normally protects the respiratory organs such as the lungs. When the ribs are broken, this protection is compromised, leading to the potential for more significant injuries and difficulty in respiration. This can be contrasted with the digestive, circulatory, and urinary systems, which are less likely to be directly impacted by injuries to the ribcage.